The Kangaroos put on a “masterclass” to crush New Zealand in the final of the Rugby League World Cup, avenging defeat at the hands of their fierce rivals five years ago, Australia's press said on Sunday.

An unusually sloppy New Zealand continued their unbeaten run this season with an eight-try 54-6 victory over a combative and tenacious Japan side in their rugby test at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday.